Three quick Ideas for staying sane!

Have I mentioned that I live with a four-year-old boy?  And that my partner works A LOT?  And that preschool is over for the summer?  

Lots of parents start pulling their hair out as summer break approaches, especially those who work at home.  Here are three quick ways to save some sanity as these long days loom long before us.

1. Water is your friend.  Try to make it a part of each summer day.  A bucket on the deck with cups for pouring, a fun bubble bath at an unexpected time of day, spray bottles, lakeshores, running in the sprinkler...  even if summer is long in coming, as it is in my neck of the woods this year, we are trying to incorporate water into our daily routine. Of cour
2. Plan regular outing days. Last summer, we had weekly "beach days" and "activity days".  I could plan ahead a little, and I knew that there was something to break the day after day at home pattern.  These don't have to be a big deal -- the post office, the farmer's market, a walk to the park.  Create your own weekly days of fun.
3. Call in reinforcements. Today, a friend online and I are both having rough days, with a sweet little one at home to keep us busy.  We are checking in online every so often to cheer one another on.  You can also swap playdays with another parent, find a park or camp program, or make a new friend in the neighborhood.  When you aren't the only one having to interact with your children, and when there is another adult to talk with, things can feel a little easier.

What are you planning for the summer?